A stucco home has a certain charm about it — maybe it’s because there’s such a long history to the material or the smooth appearance it gives a home — but either way, stucco is a strong and durable material that many Winnipeg homeowners love. However, just like any other material used for home siding, it does need maintenance and sometimes even stucco repair. Stucco can crack, chip, and break away from the wood or metal that the stucco is adhered to, resulting in potentially more serious damage.
Homeowners can repair minor issues themselves, which is what this blog is all about, but when you’re facing larger repair needs as well as stucco painting, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. At Integrity Painting, we have been providing the residents of Winnipeg with upfront and transparent painting services since 1992. Throughout our 28 years, we have taken pride in our work and we guarantee that we will treat your home as our own, regardless of the project we’re completing. If your stucco home is in need of repair or a fresh coat of paint, get in touch with the contractors at Integrity Painting today.
Tips on Stucco Repair
There are stucco recipes that can be made from scratch, but when making minor repairs on your own, you may want to consider using a pre-made mix that includes the right combination of ingredients for a strong and sturdy stucco. Here are the basics of making minor repairs to your stucco home, but again, if you’re facing larger projects or even a full restoration, contact a professional stucco repair company who can do it right and who can ensure that any potential problems are avoided.
Remove the Loose Stucco
With a hammer and a chisel, tap the loose stucco to completely break away any pieces that are not completely adhered to the underlying wood lath or sheathing. Be sure to remove all loose pieces until you have reached an area where the stucco is solidly attached. If there is a metal lath underneath the stucco, carefully remove it using metal snips. Cut along the perimeter of any removed stucco. Be sure to remove any nails or screws that are holding the lath in place as well.
Add Building Paper
In order to protect the structure of the house from moisture damage, use two pieces of grade D building paper, cut to the same size as the exposed area. Building paper is used as a moisture barrier to protect the wood framing of the house and is made of kraft paper permeated with asphalt. Carefully use a staple gun to staple one layer of paper to the wood lath or plywood sheathing. Then staple the second piece on top.
Install Metal Lath
The next layer is metal lath, a galvanized mesh, that is attached to the wood framing or plywood sheathing. Be sure to cut the mesh so that it completely covers the exposed area and there aren’t any gaps between the lath and the original stucco. Attach the lath using galvanized roofing nails, making sure that the nails penetrate one inch into the wood framing. If there is plywood, the nails should penetrate through the sheathing completely.
Mix the Stucco
Following the manufacturer’s directions, use a mixing paddle or mortar mixer to mix the first batch of stucco. You’ll need to work relatively quickly, especially if you’re using a quick-setting stucco, which will dry in around 45 minutes of being mixed. Try to keep the mixed stucco in a shaded area and be sure to only mix as much as you can apply within the 45 minutes.
Apply a Scratch Coat
To prevent the stucco from drying too quickly, start by spraying the exposed old stucco with water. Apply the new mixed stucco using a fist-size amount at a time. When applying the stucco, use a trowel and make sure that the material penetrates the openings of the metal mesh lath. If the stucco was mixed correctly, it should hold onto the lath by itself. Continue applying the stucco across the repair area, making sure to press the material along the edges of the old stucco to create a bond. The new layer of stucco should reach ½ inch below the original stucco surface. Using an edged trowel, carefully scratch the surface of the stucco to create shallow incisions. Let the stucco cure for about one to two hours; you may need to spray the stucco with water to allow it to water-cure.
Apply a Brown Coat
Mix and apply the second layer of stucco, also known as a brown coat, using the same method as the first. The brown coat should reach about ⅛ inch below the original stucco surface. Let the layer of stucco cure spraying with water as needed.
Apply the Final Coat
Mix and apply the final coat of stucco, known as the colour coat. This layer will be applied so that it creates an even surface with the old stucco. Smooth out the new stucco, or add a texture that matches the appearance of the old stucco. It can be difficult to match the colour of the new stucco with the old, so you may need to paint the new stucco or apply a coating across the entire wall.
Stucco repair may not seem like a difficult job, but to ensure that your home’s foundation or framing is protected, it is essential that the process is followed exactly and that the right materials and tools are used to create stucco that is solid and secure.
If your home is in need of stucco repair, contact the professionals at Integrity Painting. Not only will we thoroughly repair any cracks or missing chunks, we offer stucco painting as well to ensure that the finished project is cohesive and smooth. Located in Winnipeg, we provide quality interior and exterior painting services, as well as stucco painting to the surrounding areas. For a beautiful finished project, you can count on the contractors at Integrity Painting. Give us a call today for a free estimate.
Recent Comments